Georgia

Vocational Training for Internally Displaced People and the Economically Vulnerable in Tbilisi (2007-present)

Civil wars, territorial conflicts, and ethnic cleansing in Georgia killed and displaced hundreds of thousands. Nearly 100,000 Georgian refugees have been living in limbo in the capital of Tbilisi for 15 years, unable to return to their homes, but unsupported in their new lives. Their economic conditions are very difficult—most live in sub-standard, cramped collective housing and have limited connections to employment and higher education. Many refugees led comfortable lives before being displaced and so they must deal with the additional psychological challenges that their unfortunate situation now places them in (including the loss of family members who provided support to the family). Like refugees, ethnic minorities in Georgia often face social stigma, isolation, and lack necessary connections, and language skills to obtain employment or higher education. Women of all backgrounds suffer disproportionately from unemployment, largely due to cultural pressures to care for elderly relatives and begin families at a young age, limiting their opportunities for professional experience, and or education. While new jobs are available in Georgia's growing economy, these vulnerable groups lack the education and requisite skills to qualify for them.

JDC created two highly successful vocational training programs, focusing on the most sought after skills by potential employers. Working with the Jewish Cultural and Educational Fund, JDC provided 20 young refugees—90 percent of which were women—with high-quality training and official certification in computer and English skills, as knowledge in these areas greatly increases marketability for a wide range of fields, and thus the opportunity for employment and financial stability. The training also featured intensive job searching skills, ensuring participants can effectively parlay their new knowledge into finding employment. Moreover, participants received trauma counseling from a professional psychologist, a service unfortunately rare and prohibitively expensive for most refugees.

In addition, a second vocational training program has been very successful in linking vulnerable Tbilisi residents with specific professions. In the program's first round, 18 participants, primarily undereducated female head-of-households, gained dress design and construction skills during an in-depth training and certification course. Applying their knowledge in a practice internship period at a prestigious local garment company, participants demonstrated their professionalism and 100 percent of them were granted full-time employment with benefits and competitive salaries.

Based on this overwhelming success, JDC has expanding the program to give an additional 55 vulnerable individuals, including refugees, ethnic minorities, and at-risk members of the Jewish community. Current courses include advertising and insurance sales, as well as a second round of dressmaking and design.

This program is continuing to expand, providing more training and helping more individuals. In partnership with Mashav and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JDC has sent 20 of the current program’s top participants to Israel for an additional training in business management. Thanks to generous support from World Jewish Relief and the West Foundation, plans are in the works for 6 additional courses to help over 100 more Georgians in need.

Women's Health Empowerment Program (2008)

In Georgia, breast cancer remains a serious problem and the leading cause of cancer deaths among Georgian women. Unlike in other countries, Georgian women typically detect breast cancer in the late stages (stages III and IV), which decreases the efficacy of treatment and increases mortality rates. To raise breast health awareness and address psychosocial needs of women with breast cancer, JDC is partnering with HERA, a local women's health NGO, and the John Snow Institute, two members of USAID's Healthy Women in Georgia Program. JDC is implementing three activities in Georgia. First, a Provider Training of Trainers educated health care providers in sensitivity and communication skills. Secondly, Peer Support Group Training, based on the successful model used in various other countries, empowered survivors to start their own psychosocial support networks. Finally, JDC is a gold-level sponsor of Georgia’s Fourth Annual Race for the Cure, coordinated by HERA in partnership with USAID, the John Snow Institute, the US and French Ambassadors to Georgia, the First Lady of Georgia, and several other local organizations and businesses.